Boat trip on Lake Grundlsee | © STG | Jesse Streibl Boat trip on Lake Grundlsee | © STG | Jesse Streibl
Pure enjoyment from Glacier to Wine

Holidays in Styria

Holidays in Styria stand for diverse enjoyment – "from Glacier to Wine". The green heart of Austria is known for its variety of different types of landscapes.

An impressive 5,838 metres of difference in altitude lie between the highest point on the Dachstein (2,995 metres above sea level) and the lowest point at Vulkania® thermal spring (2,843 metres below sea level) in Rogner Bad Blumau. It is contrasts like these that guests and locals appreciate. The alpine north, the urban centre of Graz and the enjoyable south and east offer countless possibilities within short distances.

Styria – an exceptionally diverse destination 

Guests visiting Styria can expect a colourful range of offers that leave nothing to be desired and a varied stay full of exceptionally beautiful moments and impressive experiences.

Vineyards & gardens

Styrian cuisine

Welcome to the delicatessen shop and orchard of Austria! Whatever you decide to call Styria: It is – especially in the south and east – the most fertile federal state of Austria and produces food of great quality and variety, from apples and pumpkin seeds to exquisite wines. 

Styrians are very proud and aware of the special nature of their cuisine – at its centre, the famous "trilogy of taste" consisting of wine, pumpkin and apple. After all, these and other culinary delights are an important part of the Styrian way of life.

Styria has ...

  • ... a wine-growing area of 4,860 ha.
  • ... Austria's largest apple-growing region with 6,000 ha.
  • ... 13,275 ha of pumpkin cultivation area.

Styria grows ...

  • ... grapes for 220,000 to 280,000 hectolitres of wine (about 80 % of which is white wine).
  • ... about 110,000 - 150.000 tons of apples annually (about 75 % of Austria's supply).
  • ... pumpkins for almost 3.2 million litres of original Styrian pumpkin seed oil.

Mountains & forests

Staying active in nature

Between the Dachstein, Gesäuse, Hochschwab, Zirbitzkogel and Peter Roseggers Waldheimat, between rivers, on meadows and in gorges: With a total of 805 million trees, Styria has a fascinating reputation as the most densely wooded and thus greenest federal state in Austria – hence its nickname: the green heart of Austria.

Especially the landscapes in the north invite active holidaymakers to go hiking, cycling, mountainbikingskiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or ski touring. Of course, you can also relax, discover the diverse flora and fauna, and let nature exert its soothing effects on you. 

Styria is ...

  • ... 16,400 km² in size (the second-largest federal state) and
  • ... almost 62 % forested.

The green heart of Austria has ...

  • ... one peak just under 3,000 metres (Dachstein: 2,995 m).
  • ... 788 peaks above 2,000 metres.
  • ... one national park, 7 nature parks, one UNESCO biosphere park, one UNESCO Global Geopark and more than 50 Natura 2000 protected areas.
  • ... 1,666 alpine pastures
  • ... summer cable car lifts bring you up to mountsins full of adventures.
  • ... 66 ski resorts mit 304 skilifts, numerous funparks and -slopes, toboggaun runs and more.
  • ... 17 cross-country skiing regions which are certified with the Ski Trail Seal of Quality by the Styrian Skiing Association.

Thermal spas & spring water

Health & wellness

The nine thermal spas are one of the main pillars of the Styrian holiday offers. All year round, they provide the natural basis for regeneration and wellbeing. From classic therapies to contemporary health offers, the result is a harmonious health and holiday experience.

Styria's flagship initiative is "Grünkraft Steiermark": "Grünkraft" guides such as therapists, but also hiking guides help guests find relaxation, their inner balance and new life energy.

By the way, the mineral-rich water is much more than just something you can drink. Pristine rivers, bubbling waterfalls, spring-fed lakes: Styria's water often also forms the basis for recreation and unique experiences in nature. For most Styrians, it's a matter of course – for many of Styria's guests, it's pure luxury.

Styria has ...

  • ... 9 thermal spas whose thermal water significantly reduces the stress hormone cortisol, among other things.
  • ... a 180-year-old spa tradition in Bad Gleichenberg.
  • ... as Austria's most densely wooded federal state with around 850 million trees, there is plenty of space for forest bathing.
  • ... many typical regional treatments surrounding Styria's flagship products apple, wine and pumpkin.

Speaking of water: In Styria, ...

  • ... Lake Grundlsee is the largest lake with 4.3 square kilometres.
  • ... Günster Waterfall is the tallest waterfall in Styria with an impressive drop of 65 metres.
  • ... the Mur is the longest river with 290.9 kilometres.

Towns & villages

Curious about culture

From Graz, the Cultural Capital with the largest population, to Mariazell, the largest town in terms of size, to Hohentauern, the smallest and highest municipality: Styria's towns and villages with their numerous cultural attractions are the ideal starting points for getting to know the green heart of Austria, its history and the traditions that have come out of it. Many of them are still alive and well today and shape the Styrian people's daily lives.

From the Lipizzan horses at Stud Farm Piber to the Erzberg's mine, from Riegersburg Castle to Herberstein Garden Palace, complete with wildlife. From the more than 200-year-old Joanneum (Austria's first museum) to World Heritage Sites, Kunsthaus Graz (Graz Art Museum) and the modern architecture of the wineries: A long and eventful history alongside contemporary art ensure rich encounters with the past as well as the present of Styria.

Graz, the federal state's capital, ...

  • ... has 335,778 inhabitants (as of 1 January 2023), the greater Graz area around 470,000.
  • ... is a university city with 4 universities, 2 universities of applied sciences and more than 63,000 students. Including the students at the University of Leoben, the two Joanneum Universities of Applied Sciences in Kapfenberg and Bad Gleichenberg and the two University College of Teacher Education, Styria is home to more than 63,000 students.
  • ... was European Capital of Culture in 2003 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as City of Design.

Styrians as your hosts

Styria has become an increasingly attractive holiday destination over the decades and is the most popular federal state for a holiday among Austrians. Styrians are warm, welcoming hosts – intensely passionate about and deeply rooted in their homeland.

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